Menu

The Hard Way

BON JOVI FINALLY GET PERFECT NEW JERSEY RE-ISSUE PLANNED:Bon Jovi will celebrate 30 years of living in sin with a massive catalog reissue campaign that kicks off July 1st with a remastered edition of their 1988 album, New Jersey. That record, which reached Number One on the Top 200, contained five singles, including the “Bad Medicine,” “I’ll Be There for You,” “Lay Your Hands on Me” and “Living in Sin.” The new version of the record will appear in three iterations, a single disc reissue, a two disc deluxe edition, and two CD, or a two CD/one DVD super deluxe edition, the latter two packed with bonus material.The two-disc deluxe edition will feature three bonus cuts initially released as B sides, as well as 13 previously unreleased demos from the New Jersey recording sessions that were originally intended to appear on a double-LP titled Sons of Beaches. The deluxe edition will also come with a 32-page booklet filled with insider commentary on the bonus cuts and rare photos from the New Jersey recording sessions and ensuing world tour.

Bon Jovi: New Jersey (Deluxe Edition) [2CD, digital]Disc 1: New Jersey (original album, remastered) + bonus tracks 1. Lay Your Hands On Me 2. Bad Medicine 3. Born To Be My Baby 4. Living In Sin 5. Blood On Blood 6. Homebound Train 7. Wild Is The Wind 8. Ride Cowboy Ride 9. Stick To Your Guns 10. I’ll Be There For You 11. 99 In The Shade 12. Love For Sale Bonus Tracks: 13. The Boys Are Back In Town (Cover of the Thin Lizzy classic; previously released on Stairway To Heaven/Highway To Hell compilation; released in the U.K. as a 12″ single B-side) 14. Love Is War (B-side from Living In Sin single) 15. Born To Be My Baby (Acoustic Version; previously released as a B-side in Japan)

Disc 2: The ‘Sons Of Beaches’ Demos (** All tracks on DISC 2 are previously unreleased) 1. Homebound Train 2. Judgment Day 3. Full Moon High 4. Growin’ Up The Hard Way 5. Let’s Make It Baby 6. Love Hurts 7. Backdoor To Heaven 8. Now And Forever 9. Wild Is The Wind 10. Stick To Your Guns 11. House Of Fire 12. Does Anybody Really Fall In Love Anymore? 13. Diamond Ring

Bon Jovi: New Jersey (Super Deluxe Edition) [boxed 2CD/DVD]Disc 1: New Jersey (original album, remastered) + bonus tracksDisc 2: The ‘Sons Of Beaches’ Demos (Previously Unreleased)Disc 3 (Dvd): 1. ‘Access All Areas: A Rock & Roll Odyssey’ Directed by Wayne Isham. The original 1990 88-minute documentary of the band’s epic 16-month world tour in support of the New Jersey album; includes rare backstage, on-the-road, and live concert footage. First time released in the U.S. on DVD format2. Music Videos From the New Jersey album: All directed by Wayne Isham: Bad Medicine (1st Version) Born To Be My Baby I’ll Be There For You Lay Your Hands On Me Living In Sin Blood On Blood Bad Medicine (2nd Version).Original audio produced by Bruce Fairbairn; engineered and mixed by Bob Rock.

CALIFORNIA BREED DEBUT NEXT VIDEO:California Breed, one of most exciting new bands of 2014 featuring legendary vocalist-bassist Glenn Hughes, drummer extraordinaire Jason Bonham and 23-year-old newcomer guitarist-singer-songwriter Andrew Watt, have premiered their new video “The Way” via billboard.com. Check out the clip and read the Q&A with Glenn Hughes on billboard.com, here: tinyurl.com/o7e5rnu.In other video news, guitar world.com has posted the final installment of the band’s “making of” the album series. Watch all five episodes, here: tinyurl.com/osmsfyc.California Breed’s self titled debut album was released yesterday, Monday, May 19 on Frontiers Records and is already #2 on the U.S. iTunes Rock albums chart and climbing national charts in Europe.

Mixing massive riffs, gutsy vocals and gale force rhythms, the album was produced by Dave Cobb (Jamey Johnson, Rival Sons, Shooter Jennings), and was recorded at his Nashville studio and features equal co-writing credits among the three-man lineup.California Breed will perform their first-ever U.S. show on Wednesday, May 28 at the Whisky A GO GO and their first New York City show will be Saturday, May 31 at Gramercy Theatre. The band will announce their U.K., European and U.S. tours soon.California Breed is available now as a CD, digital download and Deluxe Edition CD + DVD featuring the bonus song “Solo,” two video clips and a documentary.

INTRODUCING ETHAN BROSH:Burgeoning heavy-metal guitar hero Ethan Brosh is about to get in the middle of a spectacular musical battle royal called Drum Wars.Chosen for his extraordinary technical brilliance, Brosh will join legendary sibling drummers Carmine and Vinny Appice on stage for two Drum Wars extravaganzas in New York, including dates in Poughkeepsie on June 20 and two shows the next night at New York City’s famed Iridium venue.All this coming on the heels of a CD release event for Brosh’s remarkable new instrumental album “Live the Dream” on May 31 at The Hard Rock Cafe in Boston. “I am honored to be joining two of the biggest drumming legends for a few shows!” exclaims Brosh. “Carmine and Vinny Appice have been in some of rock’s biggest groups. Both have influenced generations of drummers. I’ve been to one Drum Wars concert and loved the intensity and craziness that goes on throughout the whole show!”

Brosh is thrilled at the prospect of playing alongside a vast assemblage of supremely skilled musicians and tackling material he’s loved for years. And there’s another reason why these shows are important for him. “It is all backed up by a never-ending amount of talent on stage,” says Brosh. “Lots of my favorite songs by Ozzy, Dio and more are played in a very cool way! I will be joining Carmine and Vinny in New York City and Poughkeepsie, NY, close to where I was born. To me, these shows will be very special. I can’t wait to play these songs onstage with two of the greatest drummers in the world! I would urge anyone in the New York area not to miss these awesome shows!”For his part, Carmine Appice is thrilled to get a chance to play with Brosh. “Ethan is one of the best young guitar slingers of today,” says Carmine. “His style techniques are awesome. Not many can play like him!”

Here are the Drum Wars dates:June 20, 2014 – Poughkeepsie, NY – The ChanceJune 21, 2014 – New York City – The Iridium (two shows) Indeed, Brosh is uniquely blessed with astounding musical gifts. Not only is he a uniquely talented performer, but Brosh is also building a reputation as a first-rate songwriter, as evidenced by his newest recording, “Live the Dream.” He’s chomping at the bit for the world to hear it.

“Finally, on May 31st, the CD release show for ‘Live the Dream’ will take place at the Hard Rock Cafe in Boston!” declared Brosh. “I’m very much looking forward to having such a special show in my home town of Boston! It’s been five years since my last album. I can’t wait to be back on stage with my instrumental band at the Hard Rock and play this new material to some of my fans and friends so close to home! This will be a real fun night to everyone who will show up. My instrumental band is the most powerful band I’ve ever been in. People can expect a very intense show on the 31st! Bringing HARD ROCK back to the HARD ROCK!!!”Space Invaders video link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfYp4VdBzk4&feature=youtu.be.

The buzz continues to build for Brosh, and it will undoubtedly only grow stronger with a brand new video filmed for “Space Invaders,” one of the many standout tracks on “Live the Dream.” Brosh’s fiery shredding is on display in the clip: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfYp4VdBzk4&feature=youtu.be.As Brosh explains, “A music video is something that has to go hand-in-hand with the music that it’s associated with. It is part of the art as a whole. It is the image that will stay in the minds of the listeners for as long as they listen to that particular musical piece. When I have a music video done, I take the process almost as seriously as I take my music. A lot of time, energy and attention to detail gets into play when we shoot or edit a video.” Talking about the video’s director, Seth C. Brown, Brosh was effusive in his praise. “This video was made by Seth C. Brown, who can turn around any rushed, impossible to shoot scene with bad lighting into a beautiful work of art! I’m very proud of the new video for ‘Space Invaders’ and can’t wait to make more videos for this record!” states Brosh.Mixed by Max Norman (Ozzy Osbourne, Megadeth) and featuring the talents of world-class bassist Dave Ellefson, as well as the mastering expertise of Bob Ludwig (Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Iron Maiden), “Live the Dream” is Brosh’s most exciting and ambitious project to date. And the album cover painting by Joe Petagno (Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd) is also sure to turn heads. Issued by Carmine Appice’s label Rocker Records LLC, “Live the Dream” is available for purchase via these links: itunes.apple.com/us/album/live-the-dream/id816347755 / www.amazon.com/Live-Dream-Ethan-Brosh/dp/B00HZMRX0Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393806359&sr=8-1&keywords=ethan+brosh.For more information, visit www.ethanbrosh.com.

‘THE BEST’ FROM JOHN WAITE DUE IN MAY:John Waite has announced a new compilation, set for release in May. Titled “The Best”, the CD/Digital will feature the following tracks: Back On My Feet Again (newly re-recorded), Isn’t It Time (newly re-recorded), Rough & Tumble, Missing You (newly re-recorded), If You Ever Get Lonely, Better Off Gone, Suicide Life, Change (live), Every Time I Think Of You (live), Head First (live), Evil (live), Saturday Night (live), Bluebird Cafй (unplugged), I’m Ready (unplugged), In Dreams, The Hard Way, Downtown, Missing You (duet with Alison Krauss).

At John’s site (www.johnwaiteworldwide.com/store) he details the thought process behind the release: “I suppose the idea for BEST came to me last December. I was in Beverly Hills just walking in the rain. There was an exhibition of the photography of Richard Avedon and I’d always been interested in his work so I thought I’d check it out, get out of the rain for a while and then get a glass of wine. I remember a huge white wall with at least 60 different photos–all figurative stuff, all different. It was a very ’60s approach. I write, play and sing music but I’m also very interested in art. I don’t really see the difference in the different mediums; literature, painting, acting, etc., it’s all expression. I saw the pictures presented that way and considered what its counterpart would be musically and BEST came out of that. I didn’t want to do the obvious thing and simply put out a “Greatest Hits” record as anyone can do that through iTunes. Just download a play list and hey, “presto.”This collection is called BEST because it’s my best. It’s me putting together my favorite work and it’s totally subjective; I had no one to answer to but myself. It was, I have to say, great fun. I re-sang “Missing You” and “Back On My Feet Again” as the lyrics and melodies had been written literally hours or at most a day before recording the originals so long ago. I always felt I could “do” them better and bring something to them that I’d missed, update the production and make them more vital. And besides, a retrospective was a nice way of looking at my work. I wanted to connect the dots as much for myself as for anyone who might hear it.I set about the task at hand on my return from England on New Year’s Eve. I’d been making lists over the holidays and decided to simply follow my heart. There was no way I could exclude “Bluebird Cafй” or “Suicide Life.” I also wanted to add live tracks from my great live band–Tim Hogan (bass), Kerri Kelli (guitar) and Rhondo (drummer)–and I remembered I had a steaming unreleased version of “Every Time I Think Of You” from last year that was so real it bordered on ’60s soul music. My duet with Alison Krauss on “Missing You” was important to me on a profound level as it showed my love for country, bluegrass and in fact, Alison, whilst “Rough and Tumble” was pure blues rock.”Each copy is autographed personally by John over his actual thumbprint. Order via: www.johnwaiteworldwide.com/store.

FIREWORKS 63 OUT NOW:Fireworks #63 heralds another step forward, now coming in perfect bound format with 100 pages every issue! We haven’t scrimped on the features either, as Glenn Hughes talks about the demise of successful supergroup Black Country Communion and how he teamed up with Jason Bonham to put together the impressive new power trio California Breed. Former Skid Row vocalist Sebastian Bach enthuses about his brand new solo album, while Asia vocalist John Wetton tells us about the band’s new album and bringing in new blood to replace Steve Howe. Magnum release another great record which Bob Catley is only too happy to talk about, and Winger explode back with a brand new album.That’s not all, as we have Ian Anderson, Black Label Society, H.e.a.t, Daughtry, Gotthard, Patti Russo, Sonata Arctica, Vanden Plas and many, many more – 33 interviews in total! With the usual in-depth reviews of new albums, live concerts and DVDs, along with dedicated features on books and EPs, Fireworks is indispensable in helping you figure out what to spend your hard earned cash on! If that wasn’t enough, you’ll find a CD attached to the issue which contains 71 tracks in mp3 format – yes, SEVENTY THREE… along with a 22 page PDF about the bands featured, absolutely free! If you can find a better value magazine for Ј4.99, we’d love to know about it!

Available from – Participating WHSmith and McColls Group stores (see Store Finder for participating stockists) – Fireworks Magazine Mini Shop – From the Rocktopia Download Store. A digital PDF copy for your mobile device or eBook reader sells for only Ј3. Each issue can be downloaded immediately and comes with the full cover CD in MP3 format. Please Note: Not all issues of Fireworks come with a free bonus disc)– Direct from Fireworks HQ by emailing fireworks.mag@ntlworld.com, paying via Paypal. Send Ј6 (inc P&P) for UK, Ј8.50 (inc P&P) Europe, and Ј9.50 (inc P&P) for USA/Rest of World.

INTERNATIONAL RELEASE FOR ELECTRIC GUITARS DUE MAY:When Danish rock n’ roll band Electric Guitars released their debut album last year, it caused quite a stir in their homeland – to such an extent that it even made the news on national television. Now the album is ready for international release May 26. The two guitar virtuosos behind Electric Guitars, Soren Andersen and Mika Vandborg, had succeeded in bringing ten of the best Danish guitarists of all time on one track, called ‘Hero of Mine’. A homage to the electric guitar and some of the Danish legends who have played it. On the 10 minute long track you can listen to solos by Tim Christensen of Dizzy Mizz Lizzy for instance, Jacob Binzer of D-A-D, Billy Cross who played with Bob Dylan in the late 70s and not least Franz Beckerlee of the legendary 70s Danish rockband Gasolin’ – as well as, naturally, Andersen and Vandborg themselves.The track is an historic event, masterminded by two of the hottest Danish guitarists, who started performing together as Electric Guitars in 2012. Their shows were such a success that the next logical step was to work on an album. The result of which included ‘Hero of Mine’, took Denmark by storm, and it’s now seeing a release in the rest of Europe and USA, followed by a tour in Germany.

Although the self-titled album by Electric Guitars is the band’s debut, these two guys are far from rookies. Soren Andersen is perhaps best known as the guitarist in White Lion (Mike Tramp’s former band) and for the five last years as the guitarist in Glenn Hughes band (former vocalist and bassist of Deep Purple). In fact, Electric Guitars were chosen as warm up band for the recent Deep Purple concert in Denmark.Over the years, the two self-proclaimed guitar nerds, have been in countless bands, appeared on dozens upon dozens of successful albums in Denmark, with groups like Gnags and Love Shop. They have also released their own solo albums; one of such by Mika Vandborg included the former front-man from The Darkness, Justin Hawkins. Add to that Soren Andersen’s appearances with Marco Mendoza, Dave Mustaine, Billy Sheehan and Tommy Aldridge, and one can quickly see that the these two incredible guitarists have worked with their fair share of talents artists.However, now it is time for the duos own version of straight forward, back to the roots, no nonsense classic rock with strong melodies – recorded with drummer Morten Hellborn and bassist Peter Kjшbsted. This is 4 guys, playing 12 maximum energy rock ‘n’ roll songs, with the electric guitar in the center stage… Get ready to turn up your amplifier!WebLinks: www.electricguitars.dk / www.facebook.com/ElectricGuitarsDK / www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZXMnQ-OCNs.

TSO’S TOMMY FARESE TO PRODUCE NEW PROG-ROCK ALBUM:Founding Trans-Siberian Orchestra member Tommy Farese to produce new album by prog-rockers Wizards of Winter. Tour to include both Farese and Tony Gaynor.Wizards of Winter, known for their high energy and classically-infused-rock concerts, are excited to announce that they are in the midst of recording the follow-up to their critically-acclaimed Tales Beneath a Northern Star album. To help bring this new epic project to life, the band enlisted legendary vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Tommy Farese to produce the album. Tommy also has plans to lend his voice to a song or two to the recording. Known throughout North America for his long and storied connection to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Farese helped found that act and served as lead vocalist and guitarist for their first 13 tours. In addition to fronting the act for over a decade, Farese also starred in TSO’s TV movie “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve”, playing the role of the runaway’s father.

After touring with The Wizards of Winter as a special guest this past winter, Farese says “I’m excited to work with this great group of musicians again. Producing is one of my favorite things to do. They asked me on board to produce and sing a song or two and it was an instant ‘yes’.”Though full tour details have not yet been announced, both Farese and founding TSO narrator Tony Gaynor – both of whom guested with the Wizards last year – will join the band once again for their 2014 Winter Tour. Says Gaynor: “2014 is proving to be a very rewarding year for me, after the last few years of nothing but pure survival. With so much on my plate already this year, I was honored to be asked by the Wizards to join their 2014 tour at the end of the year. I had such a wonderful time this past year touring with this group of talented musicians, who do it strictly for the love it. There is no better feeling for an artist, then being at the beginning of a project, and watching it grow. They have opened their hearts to me and always made me feel welcomed. I am looking forward to raising the bar even higher on my abilities and bringing some new and exciting energy and showmanship to the table. I’m getting older, but thank God I’m getting better!”

“The Wizards are extremely honored to have Tommy and Tony accept our offers to join us on tour again this year.” stated Scott Kelly, leader of The Wizards of Winter. “As Tony states, when we first came together with these talented gentlemen last year, it just felt right. We worked together as if we had been old friends for many years. The overwhelmingly positive response we received from the fans was validation that we had a good thing going here. I am excited for the chance to get to do it again for a larger and broader audience. In our view, having Tommy assist us on the production of the album seemed to be a natural extension of this joint success. He has such a great ear and is such a stickler for detail that I know his input will help us deliver a better end product. All of us are very happy that he graciously accepted our offer to be our producer”. For more information: www.thewizardsofwinter.com.

SKID ROW ‘UNITED WORLD REBELLION – PART 2’ EP OUT AUGUST 5:April 14, 2014 — Skid Row—Johnny Solinger (vocals), Scotti Hill (guitar), Rachel Bolan (bass), Snake Sabo (guitar) and Rob Hammersmith (drums)­will be a long way from home throughout the summer. First, the band is teaming up with Black Star Riders for a brief tour of the west coast, which starts May 8 in Tucson, AZ at the Rialto Theatre. Once that concludes on May 16, the band will play headlining shows across the U.S., including a stop at the legendary Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, May 17 and an appearance at this year’s Rocklahoma festival on May 23 in Pryor, OK. They’ll then head to Europe in June for various festivals, including the Download Festival in Donington, England on June 14. Once the U.S. trek concludes in July, Skid Row will head to Kostrzyn, Poland, where they’ve been invited to headline one of the biggest festivals in Europe, the Woodstock Festival Poland on July 31.

All of this touring is getting their loyal fans ready for the highly anticipated new seven-song EP, United World Rebellion ­ Part 2, set for release August 5 via Megaforce Records. After a hiatus that started in 1996, Skid Row returned to the big stage­literally–opening for KISS in 2000. Exhilarated to tour with the heroes who rallied them in the first place, the band was reinvigorated by being underdogs who needed to come out fighting to prove themselves. “When we put the band back together, we needed to reintroduce Skid Row as relevant without relying too much on past success,” explains bassist Rachel Bolan. “We wrote songs and hit the road. We sunk our heart and soul into it, letting people know we weren’t doing it for lack of something better to do.”

2003’s Thickskin and 2006’s Revolutions Per Minute were battle plans for hundreds of live shows with new singer Johnny Solinger out front, every night being a hard fought battle to win new fans and convince the old ones. United World Rebellion ­ Part 2 is Skid Row coming out swinging. Rachel and guitarist Snake Sabo tapped again into the potent songwriting collaboration that built the band. Sabo says they were eagerly up to the challenge. “We seem to be at our best when we’re faced with adversity. It’s us against the world again–and by us I mean the band and the fans who stick with us and carry the Skid Row torch without fail.”

New plans came together in an Atlanta recording studio. But it’s a different time, a different industry, so they decided to record a series of EPs. “The idea really appealed to me,” says Bolan, “especially with the constantly changing musical climate. I like the idea of a steady flow of new music, as opposed to releasing a full-length album then riding it for the next two years.”That guerrilla burst of recording a concise EP fostered a focused intensity that was liberating, says Snake. “The pressure seemed to be lifted. That immediately set me at ease and it became really exciting.”Exciting and potent, prompting Solinger to exert the full range of his ability. “The third time in the studio as the voice of Skid Row was the proverbial charm, and the proof is in the tracks. United World Rebellion ­ Part 2 is the most meaningful work I’ve done with the band. It’s definitely the most I’ve been challenged, vocally.”That sound is rambunctious exuberance. They got older, but Skid Row never really grew up. United World Rebellion ­ Part 2 is still the youth gone wild, their musical spark still burning gasoline.

INTRODUCING DEBUT ALBUM FROM SATIN:Satin has finished the long awaited debut album simply titled ‘Satin’. Comprised of 10 melodic feel-good rock songs written and produced by Satin himself. This album has a total listening time of approximately 44 minutes. Being an 80’s child, both music and production will naturally reveal some elements from the 80’s, blended tastefully with a full modern sound. The album was mastered in New York by Grammy Award Winning senior mastering-engineer Tom Coyne (Adele, U2, Def Leppard, Michael Jackson, George Michael, Pink, Beyoncй, Bee Gees).The lyrical content on this album touches on subjects like choices, strength, life and love. Great vocal performances and melodic guitar work further enhances the already strong melodies. It starts off with the big and very catchy “Fire The Shot”. The emotional impact caused by the beautiful ballade “Don’t Know The Words” is immense. Satin tells all in the epic rocker “I’ve Been Crazy” and shares his point of view in “Life Will Never Slow Down”.Satin has been a part of various projects over the years which has not just given him a great deal of experience and important lessons, but also earned him a Norwegian Grammy in 2013. Satin has delivered an amazing debut album so be sure to give it a well-deserved listen.

Tracklisting: 01. Fire The Shot 02. Don’t Know The Words 03. I’ve Been Crazy 04. Life Will Never Slow Down 05. I Want Us 06. Friends 07. Some People Call It Love 08. Leave It Be 09. Part Of It 10. I Don’t Need Anybody.WebLink: www.verummusic.com.

THE ANGELS PLAN 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR AND RELEASES:Aussie rock legends The Angels are planning to celebrate their 40th Anniversary with a twin-Best Of release – 4CDs and 80 tracks of the band at their best – www.theangels40thanniversary.com.au:

After morphing from The Moonshine Jug & String Band in 1974 the group embarked on a new path under the name The Keystone Angels. In a decision that would change the face of Australian music forever they were signed to Alberts Music from a meeting with legendary producers Vanda & Young. Stripping their name back to simply The Angels the band started a recording career that spawned dozens of studio releases with enormous radio and chart success. The Greatest ‘Studio’ Hits release brings forward 40 of the band’s best album recordings. Each and every track has been carefully chosen to reward listeners with a valuable insight into the unarguable influence The Angels music has exercised over the course of this country’s modern rock history.

Since 1974 The Angels have wowed audiences at pubs, clubs, festivals and concerts with their high energy brand of Australian rock riffs. The band’s sound has become legendary across the country. Their unique approach to pumping up an audience is synonymous with rocking out while holding a drink in your hand after a hard day’s work. There are few, if any, groups in the world who can hold up an ongoing reputation for live performances like the status achieved by The Angels over the course of their constant and relentless evolution. The Greatest ‘Live’ Hits album contains a special selection of 40 recordings from gigs across their career and who knows… maybe you were there!

xx

AUSTRALIAN GUITAR HERO JOE MATERA TO HIT THE EUROPEAN ROAD IN MAY:Following on from his critically acclaimed 2012 album, ‘Creature Of Habit’, guitar hero Joe Matera released a new set, ‘Terra Firma’, via W.A.R Productions, in Europe in January, 2014. The Australian musician will be heavily promoting the album in May, 2014 during The ‘Terra Firma’ Europe 2014 Tour which will include shows in Austria, Germany, Poland, The Netherlands and Czech Republic. The tour kicks off in Linz, Austria on May 2nd where Joe will headline The Akustik Festival 2. The German band Seeking Raven will perform as support act on several dates.Joe of course is very excited about his upcoming tour: “I am looking forward to promote ‘Terra Firma’ on stages in Europe. Can’t wait to perform live for the first time ever to all my fans and new audiences in Poland, Czech Republic and the Netherlands. It’s going to be rock ‘n’ roll!”‘Terra Firma’ – Joe’s second full-length studio album – features nine new songs built from a tumultuous year for Joe, in which he has enjoyed tremendous international success with his album ‘Creature Of Habit’, the accompanying single, ‘Fallen Angel’ and his first European Tour in September, 2012 as well as having to face a double family tragedy. The roots of ‘Terra Firma’ stretch from this highly emotional period and the resultant song-writing display greater depth, maturity and emotive resonance than his previous work. Joe – whose reputation is principally as a creator of guitar driven instrumentals – has also responded to calls from his fans to add more vocals in the wake of ‘Fallen Angel’ and two new songs on the collection, ‘Shining Star’ and ‘Tell Me Why’ feature his voice and new lyrical twists.‘Shining Star’ is the lead-off single and two versions of the song are found on the album. The ‘single’ version is a no-holds-barred full band rock attack that features a guest appearance from The Sweet’s Pete Lincoln, on bass. In addition, there is a relaxed ‘acoustic’ version also featuring Lincoln alongside another of Joe’s great friends, Smokie’s Martin Bullard on keyboards.You can check out the video for ‘Shining Star’ here: youtu.be/TJIhOoqf1n8.

MELODIC BRIEFS:German Powerprog Records offers Passage To The Other Side as a free advance download single for the upcoming 2nd Boguslaw Balcerak’s Crylord album Gates Of Valhalla! You can check out and download the track over here:www.powerprog.net/free_singles_eps_crylord_passage_to_the_other_side.html. The album features Carsten Schulz, Goran Edman, Mark Boals (both Malmsteen) and Rick Altzi (Masterplan, At Vance).

This week on The Double Stop guitarist Ronny Jones shares his story. Ronny was in the band Mac Meda with Robin Crosby (Ratt) and Rob Lamothe (Riverdogs) and two of their songs (I’m Insane and Scene of the Crime) appeared on Ratt’s smash album “Out Of The Cellar”ќ. Ronny and Rob were co-writers of the tracks, but never given credits on the album. Ronny explains the lawsuit that followed, as well his next band, Black Bambi, which had their debut album produced by Beau Hill, but never release due to politics at Atlantic Records. Very different than any of my past episodes, but it is a pretty important story of the dark side of the 80’s music biz. thedoublestop.com/ep-11-ronny-jones-mac-meda-black-bambi-cocoa-blue

UK rockers Fahran are set to release their second studio album in mid-May 2014, entitled ‘Chasing Hours’. The band joined forces with ex-Serpentine vocalist Matt Black in late 2013 and have been working hard in the studio whilst still keeping up a good live presence. After the well-received ‘Take This City Alive’ video showcasing the new line up, Fahran have now released a second music video to promote the upcoming album.Fahran – I Heard A Joke Oncewww.youtube.com/watch?v=qzi_lVROT0o / www.fahran.com.

Michael Sweet of Stryper will be the very special guest on this week’s episode of Noize In The Attic (Where Your Past Comes Back To Haunt You) broadcasting this Friday 1-3PM EST on WNHU 88.7FM New Haven, CT (streaming live on www.wnhu.net) The in-depth interview covers everything from Michael’s autobiography, to new solo CD, live Stryper DVD, upcoming project with George Lynch and much more! Free podcasts are available on iTunes or by following the link at www.noizeintheattic.com where you can also find additional air-times and affiliates.

AUSSIE ROCKERS MYSTERY SUBJECT OF FEATURE DOCO:The most emerging Hard Rock band to come out of Australia to astound International audiences in recent years continue dominate with the announcement of the completion of a feature film. Mystery will for the very first time unveil the feature film Mystery: Born To Rockon April 24 in a red carpet style gala concert where they will perform a full Rock concert after which they will host the launch and premiere of the movie on the giant screen at The Astor Theatre. The prestigious venue is famous for red carpet events and historical concerts by bands like Inxs, Iggy Pop, UB40, Men At Work, Midnight Oil and many more. The concert will be performed on an elevated stage which will allow perfect viewing for all patrons whether they choose to stand in the pit during the concert or to be seated. The historical venue boasts amazing acoustics and a luxurious cinema setting with a huge screen for superior picture quality. The event will take place in the bands hometown of Melbourne, Australia on April 24 (Anzac Day Eve). Doors will open at 7pm and showtime is at 8pm. Tickets can be purchased at: www.trybooking.com/EDPV or at The Astor Box Office.Please check this short 40 second trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2yAtTf0Nh4.

Stop Press – Hard Rocking It To Cannes: After the screening, the movie will head to France for the International premiere at the world’s biggest and most important film festival where It will screen at the official Cannes Film Festival on May 16 at 6pm in Palais E as part of the official Marche Du Film Line-up. Frontman Rocky Ravic will be a special guest at the festival screening at the world’s most famous red carpet. Mystery: Born To Rock will be delivering Hard Rock to the Palais movie screen.Mystery: Born To Rock (The Movie): Strap on your belts and embark on a wild 85 minute adventure of Rock n’ Roll proportions with the youngest Rock band to ever tour the world. Join them on stage, behind the scenes and in their dreams in a journey like no other. Mystery: Born To Rock is a story loosely inspired by real life events. From the turbulent streets of the western suburbs of Melbourne, Australia emerges a story of hope as four young boys conquer the odds and live the dream. From the land of AC/DC, a new chapter in Rock history is born and Mystery are taking the world by storm. The movie features all of the songs from the new album by Mystery called ‘From Dusk Till Dawn’ which will also soon be available.

In Touring News: The band will then head to the United States for the beginning of their third world tour in as many years where they will return to Rocklahoma for the second year running and perform on May 25 with the likes of Kid Rock, Twisted Sister and Skid Row amongst other big names. The band will also return to Europe where they will perform at the BasinFireFest on June 29 in the Czech Republic in addition to other festivals and headliner shows during the European Summer. They will also return to Japan later in the year.The facts and attachments added to this email have a brief rundown of Mystery’s impressive list of activities over the last few years. Please also take a few minutes of your time to check this New promo video: Taking The World By Storm 2013 Report:www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MXbI4YHjmI.

RON KEEL PERMIT TIME PERFORMANCE AT BUNDY RANCH:Ron Keel is Proud to Announce a Prime Time Headline Performance at the Bundy Ranch Patriot Party Friday April 18.Most Americans – and many around the world – are familiar with the controversial situation surrounding the Cliven Bundy family in Nevada and their recent and ongoing confrontation with the U.S. government in regard to ‘grazing rights’ and the paramilitary invasion of Mr. Bundy’s land which extends to the desecration of that land, the confiscation of his cattle, and the violations of his family’s constitutional rights. “As an American, as a patriot, as a citizen of the state of Nevada, and as a business owner I strongly support Cliven Bundy, his family, and what they’re fighting for,” proclaims Ron Keel. “It’s the ranchers, the farmers, the truckers, the construction workers, those men and women on the assembly line – it’s the working class that keeps this country strong, and we have to either stand together or fall forever. I’m honored to be asked to sing at the Bundy ranch for this event and I intend to sing my songs, speak my mind, and eat some Bundy beef – thanks to Mr. Cliven Bundy and his family for inviting me to participate in this historic occasion.”ќ ~Ron Keel.For More Info on Ron Keel Go To: www.ronkeel.com. For More Info on West Coast Merch and Celebrity Swag Go To: westcoastmerch.com / celebrityswag.net.

JACK RUSSELL’S QUESTIONABLE GIG BOOKING RESULTS IN ALMOST EMPTY GIG:Worst gig ever. And I don’t mean the performance – Jack Russell sounds like he is in pretty good vocal form here, but whoever booked him this gig needs to be fired. Now. Here is a clip of Jack Russell’s Great White performing at the Sun Bank National Center in Trenton, NJ on 4/19/14 to an empty arena… The Trenton Freedom are an indoor football team in its first year and apparently haven’t really been advertising and this show was scheduled after the football game. Check it out:

HEAVEN & EARTH ANNOUNCES NEW MEMBERS:Heaven & Earth are pleased to announce two new members into the fold. The first is seasoned bass player/vocalist Lynn Sorensen from Paul Rodgers/Bad Company. The second is one of Australia’s premier drummers, Jackie Barnes, son of Australian singing legend Jimmy Barnes. Say’s singer Joe Retta: “I’m excited to announce and welcome two new members to Heaven & Earth. Lynn and Jackie are right out of the Rock n Roll mould and a perfect fit for this band. Both with a classic and authentic R&R feel that round out our sound like a cement bubble. These two multi instrumentalists are also fine singers too and that’s a “hell yeah”ќ from me.”Lynn Sorensen has been Paul Rodgers long time bass player and backing vocalist for over 10 years and moved over to Bad Company with Paul when he reformed Bad Company in 2008. Lynn Sorensen stated: “As a long-time fan of Heaven And Earth it is an honor to have the opportunity to play with them. The Dig album simply blows my mind.”

Jackie Barnes graduated from Berklee with a Bachelor of Music in 2010 and has played on over 50 international releases including 5 DVDs and has worked with artists such as Cold Chisel, Keith Urban, Joe Bonamassa, Journey, Steve Morse, Bob Daisley, The Ten Tenors, Diesel, Andrew Roachford, Mahalia Barnes, EJ Barnes, Evil J + Saint Cecilia, The Madden Brothers, Mica Paris, Glenn Hughes, Reece Mastin, Moussa Diakit and Steve Van Zandt.Say’s Jackie: “I am extremely excited to be the new drummer for Heaven and Earth. As soon as I heard the music I knew this was a project I wanted to be a part of, and I am excited to work with the rest of the guys to make this band even better. I also look forward to performing in front of new audiences and meeting new fans across the globe.”The band enter rehearsals next month to prepare for their European tour starting at the Birmingham O2 Academy in the U.K. on June 26thWebLinks: www.heavenandearthband.com / www.facebook.com/officialheavenandearth / jackiebarnes.com.au / www.lynnsorensen.com.